Maraga Accuses Ruto Govt of Weaponising Terror Charges to Crush Gen Z Uprising

The Kenyan government is under fire for allegedly misusing terrorism charges to silence and punish Gen Z protesters.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has claimed that President William Ruto is now using the same tactics former President Uhuru Kenyatta used against political enemies.

Maraga says the goal is not justice but control. He warned that the use of such serious charges against young demonstrators is meant to traumatize and keep them behind bars without trial for years.

His warning comes amid growing public anger over state brutality and court delays.

Maraga’s claims should not be taken lightly. As a former head of the judiciary, his words carry weight. If the government is indeed abusing anti-terror laws to intimidate young protesters, then Kenya risks sliding back into a police state. [Photo: Courtesy]

Terror Charges Are Ruto’s Tool to Terrorise Gen Z—Maraga Speaks Out

Maraga made the damning claims on Wednesday, July 16, during a public statement addressing the recent wave of arrests targeting young protesters. According to the former Chief Justice, charging demonstrators with terrorism is a calculated move to ensure they remain in jail without bail. He argued that the courts often deny bond for terrorism cases, meaning suspects can stay in custody for years before a verdict is reached.

“By the time these cases are concluded, there will be no proof of terrorism,” Maraga said. “But the damage will have been done. They will have suffered in custody for nothing more than exercising their rights.”

He described the move as a desperate attempt by the Ruto administration to suppress dissent and strike fear into the hearts of Kenya’s youth. Most of those arrested, Maraga pointed out, are under the age of 25. He specifically mentioned cases involving 18-year-olds being treated as terrorists simply for joining protests.

“There is no terrorist act here,” he insisted. “This is intimidation. It’s designed to traumatize young people, their families, and society at large.”

A Disturbing Pattern Resembling Uhuru’s Tactics

Maraga likened the current government’s strategy to that of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who frequently used trumped-up charges to weaken political rivals. One such target was former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who was bombarded with court cases and eventually forced out of office. Now, the same script appears to be in use against Gen Z.

This week alone, eight youths were charged with terrorism at Kahawa Law Courts for allegedly torching the Mawego Police Station during protests in Homa Bay. They were first detained by orders from the Oyugis Law Court and later re-arrested and taken to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) in Nairobi.

Their arrest came after protests broke out over the death of Albert Ojwang, another young man whose death has sparked outrage across the country.

This trend is not new. Just days ago, 37 individuals were charged with terrorism in connection to destruction that took place during demonstrations in Kikuyu. Several government offices were damaged during the unrest, including the Kikuyu Probation Offices, Kikuyu Law Courts, Chief’s Office, and Registrar of Lands Office.

Two well-known allies of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Peter Kinyanjui Wanjiru (alias Kawanjiru) and Serah Wanjiku Thiga, were also charged alongside the youth, raising questions about political motives.

Critics Say Government’s Abuse of Terror Charges Is Fueling Public Anger

Maraga’s remarks have reignited national debate about the Ruto government’s handling of protests and opposition. Civil society groups, human rights activists, and opposition leaders have all raised alarms over the excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, and harsh charges against demonstrators.

The strategy appears to be a deliberate effort to make examples out of arrested youths. By charging them with terrorism, the government paints protesters as national threats, not citizens seeking justice.

The result is a chilling effect. Parents warn their children to stay home. Youth groups are scared to mobilize. And the state maintains control. But this strategy may backfire.

Analysts say suppressing Gen Z through fear may only strengthen their resolve. Already, online movements are growing louder. More young Kenyans are becoming politically aware, digitally connected, and vocal about government failures.

The protests that began in June have since morphed into a generational uprising. At the center are young Kenyans demanding jobs, lower taxes, better leadership, and accountability. Terror charges, according to critics, are a blunt instrument against a group that is driven by hope and the hunger for change.